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Trivia: Musical Terms

Subject : trivia
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






2. A form of Italian opera beginning at the end of the 19th century. The setting is contemporary to the composer's own time - and the characters are modeled after every day life.






3. Short detached notes - as opposed to legato.






4. A song of praise and glorification. Most often to honor God.






5. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






6. Originally an improvised cadence by a soloist. Later it became a written out passage to display performance skills of an instrumentalist or performer.






7. A mild glissando between two notes for an expressive effect.






8. Successive notes of a key or mode either ascending or descending.






9. A form of writing for vocals that is close to the manner of speech and is rhythmically free.






10. Movement in music where the characteristics are crisp and direct.






11. A lighthearted piece - written in several movements - usually as background music for a social function.






12. A piece of music played at the end of a recital responding to the audiences enthusiastic reaction to the performance - shown by continuous applause.






13. Tone color - quality of sound that distinguishes one verse or instrument to another. It is determined by the harmonies of sound.






14. The manner in which tones are produced with regard to pitch.






15. The structure of a piece of music.






16. Music that is written and performed without regard to any specific key.






17. In sheet music - a symbol at the beginning of the staff defining the pitch of the notes found in that particular staff.






18. A musical style characterized as excessive - ornamental - and trivial.






19. One of two or more parts in polyphonic music. Voice refers to instrumental parts as well as the singing voice.






20. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1700's to mid 1800's. The music was spare and emotionally reserved - especially when compared to Romantic and Boroque music.






21. A set of six musicians who perform a composition written for six parts.






22. A line in a contrapuntal work performed by an individual voice or instrument.






23. Quick repetition of the same note or the rapid alternation between two notes.






24. Combination of two or more keys being played at the same time.






25. The period of music history which dates from the mid 1800's and lasted about sixty years. There was a strong regard for order and balance.






26. An important characteristic of the Romantic period. It is a style where the strict tempo is temporarily abandoned for a more emotional tone.






27. The movement of chords in succession.






28. Convenient method of numbering a composer's works where a number follows the word 'opus'.For example - Opus 28 - No. 4.






29. A contrapuntal song written for at least three voices - usually without accompaniment.






30. The structure of a piece of music.






31. Pertaining to the loudness or softness of a musical composition. Also the symbols in sheet music indicating volume.






32. A musical form where the principal theme is repeated several times. The rondo was often used for the final movements of classical sonata form works.






33. Music written to be sung or played in unison.






34. Tones used to embellish the principal melodic tone.






35. A composition based on previous work. A common technique used in Medieval and Renaissance music.






36. A set of seven musicians who perform a composition written for seven parts.






37. The unit of measure where the beats on the lines of the staff are divided up into two - three - four beats to a measure.






38. Pleasing combination of two or three tones played together in the background while a melody is being played. Harmony also refers to the study of chord progressions.






39. Music of a particular form consisting of four movements. Each of the movements differ in tempo - rhythm - and melody; but are held together by subject and style.






40. Pertaining to the sonata form - a fast movement in triple time.






41. Short movement or interlude connecting the main parts of the composition.






42. The performance of either all instruments of an orchestra or voices in a chorus.






43. Three note chords consisting of a root - third - and fifth.






44. System of notes or tones based on and named after the key note.






45. A musical scale having five notes.For example: the five black keys of a keyboard make up a pentatonic scale.






46. Combining a number of individual but harmonizing melodies. Also known as counterpoint.






47. A symbol indicating that the note is to be diminished by one semitone.






48. A piece of music played at the end of a recital responding to the audiences enthusiastic reaction to the performance - shown by continuous applause.






49. A composition whose style is simple and idyllic; suggestive of rural scenes.






50. A portion of the range of the instrument or voice.